MOVING interstate or away from home is a very real possibility for many aspirants but, for Aaron Cornelius and the other four Tasmanian representatives who attended this year’s NAB AFL Draft Camp, it’s a given.
Each year, clubs weigh up the risks and rewards of selecting local versus interstate talent with the 'go-home' factor a concern for some, particularly non-Victorian teams.
And while the thought of relocating plays on the minds of a portion of the 2008 draft pool, Cornelius has already accepted and embraced his fate.
"As a Tassie kid, if you want to go to the next level you know you have to move, so you just deal with it," he said.
"If you want to follow your dream, you have to leave home, so it’s something I came to accept a long time ago.
"The club pretty much asks you if you’re ready to move to their state. They’ll ask, 'What do you think about Adelaide?' or 'What do you think about Port Adelaide as a club?'
"I’m prepared to move anywhere."
Cornelius represented Tasmania at under-18 level in each of the last two seasons and was named All-Australian in 2007 as a bottom-aged player.
The former Glenorchy junior has also tasted senior footy, playing for the Tassie Devils in the VFL and is an AIS-AFL Academy graduate.
He starred last season and is rated a potential first-round draft pick this year, despite not having performed to his own lofty expectations in 2008.
"My season probably wasn’t up there personally with what I thought, but I suppose it hasn’t been too bad," he said.
"I had a really good season last year and trying to back it up this year was a bit hard, but I’ve just enjoyed the challenge."
Cornelius, renowned for his clean hands and strong marking ability, was hopeful his experience at VFL level would make him a more attractive prospect for the 16 AFL clubs.
A 192cm, 84kg forward, he kicked 19 goals in 12 games with the Devils, including a bag of four against Casey on Anzac Day, which encouraged comparisons to a current-day star.
"I actually found it easier to play in the VFL than in under-18s because the players are so much better, it’s easier to read the play and the ball just moves a lot quicker," Cornelius said.
"One of the guys (recruiters) at the draft camp said I reminded him of Ryan O’Keefe from the Swans. I’m, maybe a third tall, not so much a key position, but someone who can take a mark and rove at the same time."
Cornelius, who up until two years ago also played state basketball, said he was looking forward to completing his year 12 studies and, hopefully, beginning a pre-season at the elite level.
"I just want to hear my name read out on draft day," he said.
"I don’t mind where. I'm a St Kilda supporter, so going to St Kilda would be icing on the cake, but I don’t really mind because I’ll be 100 per cent dedicated to whoever gives me a chance."
